Hamilton backs New York F1 night race plans

Formula 1 new owners Liberty Media are reportedly to keen to guarantee that 2018 F1 calendar do not smash with major sporting events, such as Monaco Grand Prix and the Indy 500 or British Grand Prix (Silverstone) and the Wimbledon final. Also they confirms 2018 F1 calendar will cover 21 races with French Grand Prix.

Recently, Bernie Ecclestone’s successor Chase Carey – chief executive officer and executive chairman of the Formula One Group – said a race in New York is a “priority”.

Triple time F1 world champion Lewis Hamilton has backed apparent plans for a F1 night race in New York.

“In New York it would be really cool,” triple world champion Lewis Hamilton said in Russia.

“We definitely need two grands prix in the US. It would be incredible — it’s a stunning city.

“New Jersey would be a great backdrop for the grand prix. Whether it’s a night race, I think even the day it would be good, or the evening as the sunsets are stunning and with New York in the background it would be so cool.”

According to German publisher Auto Motor und Sport, Liberty Media “want to conquer the American market and strengthen the interest in Formula 1 with additional US races.”

They propose doing this by reviving Ecclestone’s plan to host a New York Grand Prix, which could be on the calendar as early as 2019.

Although it could “theoretically already take place in 2018” with expedited approval, the publication reports that 2019 “looks more likely” as there is no space on next year’s calendar.